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Benjamin West (1738-1820), History painter and President of the Royal Academy

Sitter associated with 43 portraitsArtist associated with 39 portraitsThe American artist Benjamin West settled in London in 1763 where he became successful as a portraitist and history painter. His painting of The Death of General Wolfe (1770-71), was particularly innovative in its use of classical conventions of history painting to portray a modern event. West succeeded Sir Joshua Reynolds as President of the Royal Academy from 1792 to 1820.